Japan fears nuclear plant meltdown (Aljazeera)

[ensho]

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/03/20113124353222667.html


Blast reported at nuclear plant amid worries that quake-hit reactor can no longer cool radioactive substances.



Radiation has leaked from a Japanese nuclear reactor and authorities say there is a possibility of a meltdown at a plant about 250km north of the capital, Tokyo.

But the government insisted on Saturday that radiation levels have reduced since pressure built rapidly last night near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where five reactors were earlier under a state of emergency.

The cooling system of the plant was damaged in the massive earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and triggered a tsunami, killing hundreds of people.

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However, local media reported that three workers have suffered radiation exposure.

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Television channels warned nearby residents to stay indoors, turn off air-conditioners and not to drink tap water. People going outside were also told to avoid exposing their skin and to cover their faces with masks and wet towels.

Peter Hayes, the executive director of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable development in Melbourne, described the situation as "dire".

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[L. Coyote]

1. This was the best coverage I could find, beginning very early this AM